The other side of the Islamophobia built up in western states supported Imperial adventures in Afghanistan and Iraq. With the failure of these two wars Liberal American opinion will again get air time to decry the Wests own constructs. Islamophobia now works against the new American interest for friends in the Islamic world. The attempt to reduce the Middle East to Imperial chattel has failed spectacularly. Now is the time for the West to once again parade its liberal conscience. I'm minded to quote from an old music hall routine 'Pull the other one its got bells on it'.

The genuinely interesting part of this whole issue is questioning why Islam has been demonised by the Western mainstream media. Everyone throws the oil excuse around like a banner, but while the vested resource interests are undeniable, the only danger Islam poses is not to Western culture, but to its capitalist economic model. Quaranic teachings about the role of money, the necessity of the gold standard (a position it shares with the US constitution) and the unethical nature of charging interest, put its 1 billion followers squarely behind an old, moral argument against capitalism. The universalisation of this attitude would rob the financial elite, such as the Federal Reserve, Central Bank and WTO, of all their autocratic power.

The one thing that managed to stop the "Red Scare" of Sen. McCarthy was the american news networks of old that were actually committed to informing people. Now though, as we slip into yet another time of finger pointing to cover up some politicians bullsh*t agenda, no news service remains to actually present the facts for what they are; instead sensationalism will again take over, sweeping some lunatic into office, and the US will manage to piss off everybody in the world again

I like your title RT, you hit target in centre. Yes, fihgt against communism and this new one agains terorism(Islam), was only excuse to have enemy,wage wars and try to hold somehow to their privileged position. Today nobody speaks about wars to stop communism becouse comminism win big time...China GDP will past Usa 10x times in next 20 years and everything was just about that and nothing more!It was war against competicion which is lost. Endlees war against "terrorism"was proclamed again on fake evidence,just to put hands on oil,gas and ofcourse to have excuse for a foot hold in Central Asia and elsewhere. Always "good gays" for the sake of 2000 privileged one who like to make money on other people missery have no end to produce new enemies...Bay the way, can someone explane to me how is posible to build a mosque on the place where official truth say that Muslim Terrorist kill 3000 plus people in terrorist attack??There is not country in the world ,who will give permision for mosque to be build in the same spot ,as in this case...Land is very expensive there-who pay for it? I hope is not S.Arabia-the very same state from most of alerged terrorist come!? Anyway most of terrorist are alive and fligh civil aircraft in S.Arabia...Or, building Mosque is maybe(I only suspect) a some kind of thank you for bieng partner and taking the blame for 9/11 ? Well, I hope you will open reistevigation(Even aliens from space are aware of this desperate calls but you are"not") to "ensure" that truth is only one.Great majority of people who practice Islam are by all means peaceful...Islam state around the world are under constant attacks from West for 1000 plus years which speak who is real culprit here! This Usa shift(unlawfull stolen land of Kosovo, before major attack is wage on all the rest Muslim states-nice trick to win minds and confuse pray)will not last..I suspect ,new war against Muslim state is looming. Pray is hard to crack,it can spead up their downturn....Thank you

Islamophobia is the new "anti-Communism" in America. And "Islamophobia" has become the bread and butter of capitalism after the fall of Communism. After the defeat of both Germany and Japan, the U.S. Military and Industrial Complex (MIC) continued to thrive - but this time on the need to contain the spread of Communism. And the fall of China to Communist forces of Mao Tse-tung in 1949 made that threat credible. After the WWII, the U.S. Military and Industrial Complex had grown into a powerful industry controlling hundreds of thousands of jobs in many states, and also controlled the U.S. Congress with those jobs in their states, and with hefty campaign contributions to their campaigns. And the power of the MIC became so evident that the U.S. president Dwight Eisenhower declared in 1956 that "the MIC had become too strong and a threat to the the U.S. government." The MIC needs a reason to continue getting the $ trillions from the U.S. Congress annually. And Islam now is a "convenient threat" to keep a U.S. war machine and its supporting military industry afloat and well-oiled for years to come - or until another "convenient threat" is found or invented! The invention is already in the works, with the Pentagon complaining that the Chinese militaryis growing beyond its needs to just protect China! And with “Islamophobia,” and the Chinese military threat on the propaganda design board of the MIC, the MIC hogs of the American economy seem to have secured their prosperity for generations to come. Nikos Retsos, retired professor

The technological and scientific breakthrough at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries required new economical and political systems which would adopt those innovations, put them in use, and remove the brakes from the pedal of progress hold by the old-fashion systems (empires). As a result, three competing systems were born: Communism (with collectivism in its center), Fascism (with nationalism as a primary philosophy), and Imperialism (with its praise of individualism), which established in and led by the USSR, Germany, and the USA respectively. All three unleashed the potential of human beings and brought the civilization to unthinkable heights. But, there is nothing free in this world. And there is always price for the success. With all differences between those systems, there are things which are remarkably common between them. All three were navigated by utopian ideas, which allowed for some time to fool and unify the nations. And all three of them needed enemies to compete and fight to death with. These are some primary conditions for them to operate and prosper. But, the battlefields are empty now, the engines run out of steam, the focus and primary motives were lost. As a result, two out of three systems bitten the dust and the third one is on its way there as well. Those who managed to learn on mistakes of others and adjust (like, China, for example), they keep moving forward. The only remaining leader -- the US -- is desperately trying to finds an enemy to fill the hole and prolong its existence. But, the problem, -- the Muslim world is living in the past. It cannot substitute the USSR or Germany. There is nothing to compete with. So, the USA is facing two choices -- to adapt (change itself) or follow the path of the USSR and Nazi Germany... in meet them in hell...

There is no such thing as a peaceful Muslim. Does anybody actually do research on these things before automatically throwing out the racist or -phobia card? I'm not saying Americans aren't being misled by our MSM about the people who call themselves Muslim, but watch this video, and tell me afterward this isn't something to actually be worried about. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ib9rofXQl6w Also. McCarthy was right about on 90% of the people he tried to out as communists. Everyone who isn't Muslim is being deceived by them and it will only be a matter of time before they simply outnumber everyone and impose their Shari'a Law. This is a very real threat and I refuse to watch my rights as a human being be taken away in the name of political correctness.

America was the main force against Communism and Dictatorship 20+ years this force of evil was stooped. Billions of people in Russia, Eastern Europe, and China leave much better and have a wonderful chance to a better life. I know they are not totally free, but the life in all this countries is much better. I live for 28 years under Communism and I know what it means. A new force of evil is raising his ugly head, Islamofascists, with women killed by stoning, children educated to be suicide bombers, anti-Semite governments, and dictatorships worst than the worst Communist dictatorships. Again America is at the forefront of fight against this new plague. I am proud of US for what it stands, for what it achieved. Russia today is free, a new democracy and rule of law is blossoming in Moscow and all over Russia. Russian people some of the most talented with musicians, scientists ... are free and much happier than ever before. I think Russian people must be grateful to the americans for the wonderful gift of real freedom and democracy.

If some of you are nostalgic about the "Good Old Communistic Times", North Korea is still an oasis of famine and abject poverty, in-between blossoming South Korea and China. I am sure North Korea are still accepting defectors from US or other democratic states. To get a glimpse of the "Wonderful Future" under an Islamic state, Iran is quite good, take some beautiful, intelligent and educated (few doctors, scientists, mathematicians) Muscovites ship them to Teheran, for them to enjoy the future. Some of them will not even come back ..., really, I wonder why ... , hmmm maybe they love it.

I was wondering if a islamic group wanted to build a mosque two blocks from the Beslan slaughter of hundreds of innocent kids would Russia allow this?

Alex wrote: "Russian people must be grateful to the americans for the wonderful gift of real freedom and democracy.", "America is at the forefront of fight against this new plague", Communist "North Korea is still an oasis of famine and abject poverty, in-between blossoming South Korea and China"[also Communist country]. Alex, what kind of grass did you smoke today? Of you just successfully completed training in one of the neocon's camp and this is your celebration speech? When and how specifically, the "freedom and democracy was brought to Russia by Americans"? Or, lets assume it happened. Then, why Russians, who are "the most talented... ", needed Americans to show them what freedom and democracy is? Are they sure now, that what Americans showed them is right? And, please, explain what Communism means? You said, you know it very well. Also, why America was "the main force" only for 20+ years and not say, 60+? You mean, they supported it or were OK with the Communism for 40 years and then changed their mind? One thing, though, you may be right about -- that Russians "are free and much happier than ever before". Otherwise, why would they parachuting donkeys? This is a sign of really happy people.

mark do you know how many of the 3000 killed in 9/11 were Muslims? Do think that majority of Americans want to think about a million Iraqis that lost their lives since 2003 U.S invasion of Iraq? For your information, the Mosque at Ground Zero will not change anything. The U.S has lost respect in the eyes of the majority of Muslims. Russia, on the other hand, has always been Muslim friendly. Russia is not conducting a crusade against the Muslims world. Russia respects the Muslim world. Millions of Russians are Muslims.

I have talked to a number of my american mates and found myself a bit surprised how negative they all were towards Islam and the Muslim people. Such a negative attitude of theirs is difficult to understand even in the light of what hapenned on 9/11. I believe that the US mass media are responsible for spreading out such a feeling amongst american people.

Sorry Bogdanov, I did not smoke any grass. I mean 20+ ago Russia and all the communistic block embraced finally the freedom and democracy. America and all western democracies lead by example, the communist regime imploded. To answer your question: "why Russians, who are "the most talented... ", needed Americans to show them what freedom and democracy is?", in the moment when freedom was more valuable then their own life Russians, Romanians, Hungarians, Germans ...... changed the regime. America was the example, the light, the dream, of what to expect at the end of this dangerous deadly journey. Hundred of millions wanted to make the change they never have the courage, when their own life was less valuable than freedom, the miracle happen. I never believed that during my life time I will see even one single Communist country becoming a real democracy. I never dream that USSR or China will be democratic free societies, is a dream come true. Communist China is a very successful free market economy, if they want to be called Communist and take the best out of the western democracies is fine with me. Russia is adapting fast and is wonderful. Maybe 20 years from now America will have to follow the Chinese or Russian example of freedom and leadership, if it is for the good of all of us so be it. I was educated in a communist regime this is what is making me neocon ?

If we take into account that millions of Afro-Americans are Muslims, and Barak Hussein Obama lived for years in a Muslim nation (Indonesia)...its is evident his Government will not support any kind of Islamophobia because that would mean first of all alienating millions of Afro-Americans. Republicans will not support Islamophobia either as the Bush family and a great part of Republicans are close friends of the Saudi Monarchy and have close links to Mulsim countries like Malaysia, United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Kuwait, Oman or Egypt. So Islamophobia would be a suicide for America, in every front....but they can try the conversion of American Muslims and immigrants to Christianism as there are dozens of efficient American Christian sects which can succeed. After all, most Arab-Americans are Christian. American Christian denominations should be very active in Muslim neighborhoods. And America has to support reciprocity in Muslim nations so Christians can make proselytism in different Islamic countries. Freedom of Religions is the first step to Democracy.

August 16, 2010, 02:26, mark wrote > I was wondering if a islamic group wanted to build a mosque two blocks from the Beslan slaughter of hundreds of innocent kids would Russia allow this? Dear Mark! Dead Islamic and Christian children and their parents and theit teachers are together in one place in Beslan - it is the mosque and the church for both. Not one or two blocks from - on the same place

When the waters have been muddied so much by lies, half-truths, old fashioned hate / prejudice, and plain and simple ignorance I can almost forgive those who use the terms 'Islam' and 'terrorism' interchangably. When I encounter such hate and ignorance in people who I would expect better from, I often ask of them the following questions: Did the Jews equate the actions of the Nazis as Christian behaviour? Do the Iraqis equate the invasion and destruction of thier country and the actions of the US military (ie 'collateral damage' / detentions / water boarding, etc, etc) as Christian behaviour? Why then do you equate the actions of a few as being representative of the vast majority? Why are you unable to see further than your noses (or your TV / computer screen) when it comes to finding the truth? When we allow ourselves to be decieved (and when we fail to seach for the truth when we see we are being decieved) we become nothing more than sheep.

Alex, We are fine. I just found your post being a bit convoluted and unfairly overpraising the US's foreign policy and deeds -- this is why my sarcastic comment. You may be right about some things, though. And one of them -- stripping the Soviet System out of Russia was a good thing to move forward. It was dragging the country down, because it was extremely ineffective economically and had many political problems. Though, it was not evil as you suggested. Plus, many things which Soviet Union introduced -- such as equality of nations, races and genders, limited work hours, workers control of companies, total and free education and medical services -- are considered as the basis of the modern societies. You may argue, that those things where not implemented properly. May be, but, at least, they were written in the Constitution, meaning that was the law. For example, the US Constitution still doesn't guarantee the equality between men and women. Though, most of the European countries do. Also, to borrow the current US model for Russia would be a mistake, even though, two countries have many common things and close to each other mentally. At least, for the reasons I mentioned in my previous post -- the US itself is trying to adjust to the modern world. The US has little bit outdated political system and this is the primary reason why this country is straggling today. Though, it is transforming, and, I think, if neocons would not hijack the country within next 10 years, it may be able to heal itself and catch up with the rest politically (primarily with Europe, China, and India). As to the Middle East. I could give you tons of reasons why I think that almost all current problems there have been created with the US “help” (deliberate or just by arrogance and ignorance). But, format of this blog doesn't allow me to be too “outspoken”...

I am an Iranian and don't understand this decision!! What is the message?? You want more musques in New York bring down 2 more buildings??? There you see the cooperation between the US government and Alqaeda!! It has been like this in England for many years! Musques more than in Iran. Look at a photo from Tehran, you hardly see a musque and in Birmingham, Uk, they are everywhere!!! Yes the US weapon industries and Pentagon need an enemy, they must have teeth!!!! They give them weapons, money, names ( Alqaeda), musques, etc. etc!!